Amnesty International has received reports that two men have been sentenced by a court in al-Baha in south-western Saudi Arabia to 7,000 lashes each for sexual intercourse. A third man was said to have been sentenced to 450 lashes for drug related offences by the same court.

SAUDI ARABIA, Three unnamed men

Amnesty International has received reports that two men have been sentenced by a court in al-Baha in south-western Saudi Arabia to 7,000 lashes each for sexual intercourse. A third man was said to have been sentenced to 450 lashes for drug related offences by the same court.

The three men, whose names have not been made public, are reported to have received part of their sentence and have been subjected to flogging. The men continue to be at imminent risk of further flogging, possibly in stages, to complete their sentences.

The punishment of these men constitutes torture. Amnesty International considers those imprisoned solely for their sexual orientation to be prisoners of conscience.

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONFlogging is mandatory in Saudi Arabia for a number of offences, including sexual offences, and can also be used at the discretion of judges as an alternative or addition to other punishments. Sentences can range from dozens to thousands of lashes, and are usually carried out in instalments, at intervals ranging from two weeks to one month.

In commenting on corporal punishments like flogging, the Special Rapporteur on Torture stated that "corporal punishment is inconsistent with the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." The imposition of large numbers of lashes as in these cases is in particular violation of the prohibition of torture. The prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment is absolute under international law is considered customary international law. Saudi Arabia is a party to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and is therefore in violation of its treaty obligations when imposing such punishments, in addition to violating customary law.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic or English or your own language:• expressing grave concern at reports that the men have been flogged and are at risk of further flogging;• calling for the sentences to be commuted regardless of the offence for which they have been handed down;• expressing concern that two men appear to have been punished solely for their sexual orientation, which would make them prisoners of conscience, and calling for their immediate and unconditional release;• calling on the authorities to halt all floggings immediately, as the use of corporal punishment constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, in violation of Saudi Arabia's obligations as a state party to CAT and Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: ''No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment";• urging that all three men be given appropriate medical attention